TROUBLE with Travato PURE3 Volta lithium, RADIATOR & TIRES | Vanlife in a Travato GL

[@johnhouli3450]

Thank you Scott a Hard Reset. Hopefully that would work for Walter. Thanks Houli.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Great

[@iglapsu88]

Thanks Scott. We just picked up a Tiffin Cahaba, so you are now our best friend! Really appreciate your content!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Tang… thanks and CONGRATS !!!! So excited for you. Please keep us posted on your Cahaba experience

[@iglapsu88]

@@gosmall.livelarge Thanks Scott! We both love your channel and look forward to your Wed and Friday live sessions. We consider you part of our little family.

[@philc.9280]

There is a cheap radiator tape that I've always kept on all my vehicles to temporarily seal the leak so you can get to your destination. For a few bucks, it could be a lifesaver and also keep the engine from overheating. I remember in the past some vehicles' tires being off-balanced even when the tires are balanced. They had to balance the tire on the wheel while it was on the vehicle.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Phil. Have you seen this video I did on the Italian import Wingamm Oasi 540 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpW4lmN4rtKpi80

[@billbeyatte]

Thanks for the honestly. Stuff happens. I read that the Winnebago warranty is just one year. True? Not good. I think the technical term for what you had in your hand was - hose.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL.. a hose! Who knew. Yes Winnebago warranty is 15K miles or 12 months which ever is first.

[@billbeyatte]

@@gosmall.livelarge That's not much of a warranty. I've been watching KZbin "Ultra mobility". The guy is not a fan of Travato or Volta. He has a few good points, like Volta cost - $20-25K!, and serviceablity. You can't just swap out a bad cell. Also, I figure if you need 30 Amp for a/c all day or night in 100° (Kevin), then you are in the wrong place. That's why RVs have wheels.

[@lbvaliq]

Like others have said before me, I'm so glad you even-handedly share the good and the bad facts as they are plus the resolution of the issues. The issues & resolutions are also helpful for others plus I have to admit I do get annoyed when folks act like nothing should ever go wrong with something . . . on what planet??? If it's taken care of I consider that a win.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Love your thinking. Some people bash of vans and RV but may overlook considerable repairs to a traditional house.

[@dalestephan]

Hi. First time viewer. Have watched 3 or 4 of your videos so far and like your style. Thanks for sharing the good and the bad stories. Kudos and keep up the great videos.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey DaleStephen!! Many thanks for watching, AND for commenting. Very cool of you. Which RV do you have or are looking at?

[@dalestephan]

I don't have one. Looking at the 59G or K. More focused on travel than camping.

[@jeffy7012]

Scott. What video explains using 110 charge method?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Is this the one you are referring to? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJfIiaeIh8ahg6c.

[@daniellesombati2263]

Scott, thanks so much for sharing the struggles. My research into van/rv life has taught me to expect problems, even in a new vehicle. So happy to have you share the part of this life that isn't rainbows and sunshine while still not treating it as a catastrophe. I appreciate your authenticity. Keep up the videos.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey thanks Danielle. Yeah I'm looking at the situations as learning and sharing opportunities. Overall, the Travato has really been quite problem free. Journey-ON! 🚐

[@hue4512]

I was considering a Travato, but now I’m Leary as I’m not that handy. Good presentation!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Keep the Travato at the top of your list please HN. Outside of that that one issue the rig has given me no problems. After one years, 30,000 miles, and full-timing the quality is over the top great. If you need to discuss thing give Mick at Winnebago Motor Homes in Rockford IL a call and have a chat. Tell him Scott sent you. Winnebago has nearly 50% of the Class B market for a reason.

[@ethantackes8611]

Hey Scott! Im a new owner of a 2019 Travato 59GL (thanks for the inspiration!) and I’m having the same issue with my Volta system not charging while driving or at high idle. Im in the San Diego area and unfortunately La Mesa RV is not taking any appointments at the moment due to volume. I unfortunately cant go far from here as I work in the area full time. Im wondering if there is any further information that you have gathered since you published this video/started working with Volta that I could use to fix the issue myself. Thank you in advance!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Call Volta for first repsonse. visit their website VoltaPowerSystems.com to get things started. if something physical is needed you will need to visit a Winnebago dealer

[@ryanbirr1668]

I'm glad you've managed to resolve some of your issues. Hopefully the tire situation gets figured out without major mishap. Your workstation looks productive. With the little bit of view we had out your window I can see why working in your gl is such an attractive proposition.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah, Ryan love me Digital Nomad setup. It works out perfectly, so much better than a corporate cubical :) These 3 situations are just opportunities to learn. I have had the same opportunities with every house and car that we have purchased. Funny how many think RVs should be 100% problem free from the start. I'm amazing there are more issues given the operating environment they are in. Appreciate you comment.

[@lindachristiansen7344]

Hard reset

[@cherylesmith8335]

Sounds like the alternator problem with the radiator hose are related to the Volta system problem. That is if the alternator was the one used for the Volta system.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

More like a fastening strap came loose from Winnebago install. The Volta situation was software related. Thx for commenting!

[@slptp]

I don't know if it was you, but someone on the T facebook group had the EXACT same problem on the promaster regarding the radiator hose and I believe the 2nd alternator and it was a very easy fix :) Glad your problems have been minor so far!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi S Lane Porter!!! Hope you are well. You were one of my earliest commenters, and here you are still commenting away. So appreciate that. Yeah I was going to do some searching in that group and maybe even post the situation, for crowd sourced learning !

[@slptp]

@@gosmall.livelarge Definitely do that. I'm sort of a database hoarder. I create them for various reasons, and when I get a T myself, I'm thinking of creating a troubleshooting site for the group that tosses the chaff and helps people sift through the real solutions. Facebook group search isn't exactly 100% perfect for finding answers.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

That would be very useful Greg Schultz would love that.

[@michaelsmith9308]

SO these are things to check, first the black tank pull valve is installed correctly because of the longer handle its a miss sometimes (mine was installed wrong! If you have NExus tires 10 ply just check the pressure when cold, then insure the lugs are torqued, the toilet has a long extension water cord connected by a small clamp! Ensure you ad another clamp or one long wide clamp or you WILL have a flood if you leave the water on, or water on the floor from drips! I have the sam model just before lithium options:(

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey MS thx for the tips. I will check those out. Fortunately no issues at this point

[@creaturefeaturepetsittingl3579]

What if you WERE in the boonies? What if it happened in the boonies 1 day after your warranty expired? What if you were in the boonies - warranty intact; middle of July; dogs on-board and your power ran out from the Volta not charging when you drove there - but now you can't drive it? See - these manufacturers never think about stuff like that. Storyteller might, but where do you go quickly from say - AZ's BLM camping area to get the Volta fixed? Granted you likely won't be on BLM in July - but you might chance it with a Volta in a super insulated van - because the manufacturer sells their product based on that claim.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for your thoughts !

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

that reset is basically turning off the switch from the batteries/main power to everything. that switch should be easy to access. Im sure winnebago could tell you how to access it; unless they wont allow you, under warranty

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Chris. You're with that it is probably something simple like that. But for protecting and the team's leaning WGO has the tech do the work. I wouldn't be surprise if a "hard reset" is something that an owner can do down the road. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@gpa39]

Re tire issue. Take Travato to a "CAT" scale at a truck stop, they take front and rear axle weight for less than $20. It is just a quick drive though deal. You get a print out of the weights. Then you will know for sure if the tires and/or the rear axle is over loaded.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks gpa39. I think this is your first time commenting? Appreciate that, and appreciate your tip. Its on my to do list.

[@thoughtsinpassing2968]

Sometimes, it not how much you have, but where you have it that makes a difference. As in all things in life - BALANCE is required.

[@SonnyReeves]

Thanks

[@leitco]

Scott, thanks for sharing. Video is well done! We have a KL and we love it. I did poke my head under the hood and it appears that the hose you're talking about is clear of any obstacles. However, I did find another 1-1/2" coolant hose adjacent to the 2nd alternator that rubs against a pipe fitting (possibly air conditioning). I've ordered a hose protector to install there before it becomes an issue. Thanks for motivating me to investigate. Sorry you had to go through the hassle with the repair and warranty challenge.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Steve. Glad to help your situation a little. I guess I need to learn where the hood latch is and take a peak myself LOL Are you loving your KL or what?

[@allankawakami7851]

Nice update!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Allan, all in a day of Vanlife. Thanks for watching and coming sir :)

[@rogerz8051]

Max load on the OEM NEXENs is printed right on the side of the tire: 2,680 lbs for single, not dual, installations (assuming they're still using the same tire as on my '17 Travato). I had mine (a 17K) weighed by the RV Safety Education Foundation reps at a rally when we were heavily loaded (people, dogs, full water, full propane, with a maxed out Stowaway2 cargo carrier hanging on the back). It was a 4 wheel independent weighing too so we got the weights on each tire. Here's my actual weights that day: Right Front 1950. Left Front 1900. Right Rear 2500. Left Rear 2450. In other words, you are probably not even close to being overloaded.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks Roger. Appreciate that comment. Very helpful. I should have the vehicle weighed, . Appreciate you watching and commenting Roger Z. Journey-ON! 🚐

[@stevebritt]

I went back to this video to review the hose issue. It occurred to me the loss of coolant all those months ago may well have shortened the life of the engine and led to your engine head and valve train problems. I hope you don't have any more engine problems going forward now that its out of warranty. On the bright side, think of what similar engine repairs would cost on a Sprinter!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Good point. Thanks for looking at the older video. The amount of time the engine was in that state of having he fluid issue was literally 2-3 miles. Pretty sure the engine didn’t run out of coolant. But hopefully that is all history now!

[@davemagnuson8138]

Rockford.. omg not been back to there 2002 and do not miss it. Gave it up for Jacksonville Florida

[@gosmall.livelarge]

FL or Rockford, tough choice :)

[@jasonpowell6301]

Just had the same hose spring a leak on my 2019 GL

[@fishernate]

Jason Powell Was it fixed under warranty? Or did they hassle you about it?

[@jasonpowell6301]

@@fishernate I first took it to a local Dodge service center, because at this point I thought it was a Dodge issue. After looking into it the Dodge center notice that the hose that was leaking was a modification made by WGO. They said it had been rubbing on a piece of metal.They gave me a call stating that they recommend that I take to a WGO service center to have them make the repair. So i have an appt with Giant RV on the 11th. I did talk to WGO customer care and they are aware of the issue and it is definitely coverd by warranty. I assume if your warranty is active and in good standing.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Oh boy. Hopefully you have a happy ending there too. I paid the Ram dealer out of pocket and then got WGO reimbursement through my WGO dealer. Bummed to know this is a “known issue”. Hopefully earlier 2019 models have this potential issue with later year builds not afftected

[@danandfaith]

The tires on your Travato are the same ones that were on the van when FCA delivered it to Winnebago. Your van is not overweight. Winnebago and FCA (Chrysler/RAM) have stated this many times. Some dealers don’t seem to get the message from FCA, however.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi D&F!! I think this is your first comment, so many thanks for your contribution. Yeah, I was a little surprised at the Dodge Ram dealer's strong OEM perspective. Will be curious to see what a WGO deal has to say on the issue. And I failed to mention the vibration only occurs from 37 to 42 MPH.

[@bradchambers274]

I know it’s been a while since you posted this video, but could you please tell me what the part number is for the hose you replaced? I would like to carry a spare. Thanks

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi BC. You are righ ton the time situation. I’d recommend contacting your RAM dealer for input. So limited on space I would not carry extra hoses for the off chance there was and issue. Just me though

[@davidzimmer2694]

LMAO, for 3 hours before this video, there was no one within 400 miles of this location. The second you hit the record button, they came out of the woodwork. Unreal. Lol. You have more patience than I do. I would have gone postal.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks DZ. Patience is a virtue I'm working on... "embrace the pace" as the RVers say.

[@paulinepotts9976]

Great video. Just subscribed. I am looking at the Travato KL . I am actually gonna go to LazyDays on my next trip to Florida to check things out.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Pauline. So happy for you. If your budget allows, I definitely recommend the Pure3 lithium version. It opens up so many options and provides worry free electricity! Are you traveling solo? If so, I highly recommend considering the G floor plan. If you're traveling with a partner, give both a very careful look as both floor plans have big pros and cons. Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@christinasorrels6303]

How’s that Winnebago reimbursement coming?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

GREAT QUESTION!!! So glad you asked. Check received about 7 days after submitting the invoice to Winnebago. I'm going to answer your question and show you the check on the next ❓& 🅰️ Friday video!

[@kevlovelaughter]

I went through 3 sets of tires until I finally found the right one's for my old olds aurora. That said I do believe sometimes factory equipped tires are not always best option.

[@jasonpowell6301]

Hi Scott, When you had your hose replaced, Do you know what measures did they take to prevent this from happening again if any?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

I don’t know the measures other than probably additional strapping tightly secured

[@jennyvanatta4205]

Wondering about the tires. Being over weight doesn’t seem like the right diagnosis - otherwise there would be a lot of Travato’s driving around with this same issue. Hope Dodge can help you get it figured out!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Jenny. Yeah, I'm not thinking it is a wight issue. And I failed to minion in the video that the vibration wobble occurs only from 37 MPH to 42 MPG. It doesn't occur all the time. We will see what a Winnebago dealer says.

[@elenahargis1670]

Please keep us posted Scott about the tires...appreciate your videos.

[@jraglob5924]

If you pass through St. Augustine I would love to see a 59KL in person. No one around the St. Augustine FL area has any.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey there J Raglob SWD. I have St Augstine in my travel plans. I have a Travato GL (you mention KL) but always happy to give a tiny house tour.

[@jraglob5924]

Let me know when you are heading this way. I will find somewhere to meet up, Thanks. Lots of questions.@@gosmall.livelarge

[@jraglob5924]

Sounds great, have a lot of questions. Let me know the date and time and we can work out the meet. Thanks!@@gosmall.livelarge

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Shoot me an email @@jraglob5924 so I can connect with you in St Augustine. Email is on my website, GoSmallLiveLarge.com, click on MORE tab to access it.

[@jasonpowell6301]

From a Travato FB group TIRES: The Hankook tires had to go! Reason: while accelerating and making a left or right gradual turn (like an on or off ramp), the front of the van would start shaking. I had the Hankook's rebalanced, and took the van to a Ram dealer to check everything out. Nothing out of the ordinary was found, but it would still shake. Thus, It had to be the tires. That was the only thing I've changed recently. Today I had Discount Tire take the Hankook's off, and replace them with the new Cooper AT3 LT's. I then drove the van like a mad man (more than usual 🏴‍☠️) to test my theory, and so far I am correct. It must have been the tires. I paid an extra 60 bucks total for the Cooper's, but unlike the Hankook's (which had no tread wear warranty) the Cooper's have a 60k mile tread wear warranty! Woo hoo!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Jason. Thanks for sharing your story. Much appreciate that sir. And I am seriously considering a tire and wheel upgrade soon. Same size on both, just better looking wheel and more aggressive off-road type tire.

[@Mike-is7rj]

Hi Scott sorry to hear about your troubles..I’ve had a view of my own since picking up the 59Kl, but your hose problem bothers me because I’m sure that’s how it’s setup on them all. So if the hose is that close to the belts and rubbing them..then we’re all gonna have that problem and not be as lucky as you were. Also, my main question to you is the manual Volta charge...I’ve been doing it for the same reasons you have but I only get to an 80% charge and the engine shuts down...(I have met all the requirements for it to keep running) does your system take you completely to the 90% before shutting down? Hope to run into you guys one of these days! Thanks, Mike

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Mike. Appreciate the comment. My charge that night got me to about 80% as well.I have read that the last 10% (to 90) goes very slowly. My guess is the time limit of 60 minutes runs out before the battery will accept that final 10% charge. My iPhone does the same thing, charges very rapidly but that last 10% take s a long time. Thanks for watching. Issues are seen as a learning and sharing opportunity, so not a biggie for me.

[@Mike-is7rj]

That’s the confusion I’m having...the 60 minutes doesn’t run out on that last 10% The van has only been running at that point for about 15-20 mins so still plenty of time for it to continue charging

[@NomadicLifewithMorningforest]

Interesting information thank you for posting just curious have you taken your rig to a scale and actually get an official weight on it so you actually know your weight and they don’t just blame it on you over Weight can’t wait to get that information be looking forward to your next post it will answer a lot of questions right up front✌️

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi NM w/M, I haven't had the rig wieghed, but am putting that on my to do list. Glad you are sharing the journey with me.

[@henryquintana5562]

Scott, I remember seeing a video from Carey on Vagabond where they installed Summo Shocks in the rear of their Dodge van, same model as yours, because they were getting some swaying in the rear. Check their channel for details on the Summo Shocks. Journey on.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

I believe Scott already installed SumoSprings. I'm curious to see if someone can determine if the tires are in fact overloaded.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey, thanks Henry. Matt is right that I put SumoSprings on a couple of months ago. The vibration started before I had those installed. Love the ride quality improvement with that addition.

[@pamelaquesnel1145]

Sounds like you got a lemon to me. So sorry for all the problems but honestly, I will be taking this van off my list when I shop for mine in the Fall. Way too many problems for a new vehicle!

[@crispy63]

Very sorry about the issues Scott. Like Pam, I’m just as concerned about these issues as the Travato has been on my short list. The hose issue is ridiculous and should never of happened. The rear shake really has me concerned. I thought I read that some of these class Bs had under rated tires on them. Hope we get a clear response from Scott. I was also looking for the Pure system but I don’t know now.

[@colormedubious4747]

It's only a lemon if they can't fix it.

[@slptp]

You won't walk out any RV dealership with ANY RV without issues. Nature of the beast. I had an amazing Honda Fit... 2 recalls and one minor problem (minor like this radiator hose) later, I'm still loving my little car. Cars are exactly the same. Humans build them (along with robots). There will always be issues.

[@pamelaquesnel1145]

Your probably right. Just seems like I am going round and round trying to decide on B+ RV and still no decision made after 2 years of research. Guess I will have to make the jump and hope for the best!

[@slptp]

@@pamelaquesnel1145 Check out the Ultra Mobility channel on YT if you haven't yet. He compares a different class B every episode. If you want a B+, Creativity RV drives around in a Leisure Travel B+ and she loves it and talks about issues she has and her's was new. Maybe even check out some groups for the ULTRA expensive B and B+ groups on Facebook. I bet they have issues too. It's which issues that crop up the most and are they manageable where you want to find the happy medium. For example with the KL and GL Travatos. The lithium system is brand spanking new. There have been issues as a result but none tragic and all under warranty.

[@herdfan697278]

You speak well but too much hose waving. Life happens and you got it covered so don’t be a drama queen. We own a 2018 Travato 59 k with no major issues except air conditioner replacement. Winnebago is very responsive compared to other new camper, motor homes etc. Best of luck but RV life isn’t always turn key. Believe you have a much better unit than average!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Drama Queen, LOL. Haven't been called one of those in quite a while. Appreciate you comment. You're right about WGO being responsive. Will keep you and the channel posted on developments. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Do you love your K or what?Journey-ON 🚐

[@user-um1wd9kw1v]

What did you figure out about the wobble? I have a brand new 2020 and am having the same issues.

[@herdfan697278]

What? No wobble here!!

[@Netscorer]

Sounds like a fair share of problems in new RV. It would be nice if Volta hard reset could be performed by customers. Sometimes these closed systems are becoming a pain in the neck and very expensive to maintain. I bet the same reset in second year would cost you a pretty penny as your Volta extended warranty only covers the actual battery and not anything else.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Dima. Thanks for the comment. I would expect over time something like that procedure would become a DIY operation (depending upon complexity). I'm happily surprise at how problem free my Travato has been. Gotta figure out the tire thing though. Stay tuned